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AMENDED & APPROVED: MARCH 6, 2006 <br />there is a possibility they may need more time than that. <br />Councilmember DeLapp said he had hopes for a discussion tonight. He has pages and volumes of <br />questions that he can't ask and he can't even read them. Some cities have been exempted from the <br />Systems Statement. He would like to know how ten property owners can outvote 8,000 residents. <br />Mr. Georgacas said he has heard from residents and councilmembers and he thinks it would be <br />constructive to hold a workshop between City Council and City and Metropolitan Council staff to clarify <br />and correct old facts and misconceptions as well as to discuss ongoing concerns. <br />Mayor Johnston said first we should get through the Comprehensive Plan approval, and then he thinks <br />that is an excellent suggestion. <br />Councilmember Conlin asked how Mr. Georgacas sees his role. Mr. Georgacas said he sees his role as a <br />communications link between the local government units in Washington County and the Metropolitan <br />Council. He sees his role as an advocate for District 12 but also has a broad focus on the region. He <br />pledged to work hard to insure concerns of the City are addressed and offered his commitment to the best <br />effort possible in that regard. <br />Councilmember Smith said Mass Transit was mentioned at a talk given by Mr. Georgacas at Boutwell's <br />Landing. As a representative of our district she said she would like to see him represent the wishes of his <br />constituents. <br />Mr. Georgacas said he is a supporter of transit services and a skeptic of commuter rail and light rail. He <br />believes it is more cost-effective to think about bus rapid transit and regionally identified centers. He said <br />that Park and Ride community issues should be closely heeded. The City has a history of opposition to it. <br />He said he thinks that can be accommodated by the Met Council <br />M/S/P, DeLapp/Smith to enter discussions in a full workshop forum with Metropolitan Council staff, <br />sooner than later. <br />Councilmember Conlin would favor it as long as City Council and staff have clear objectives and the <br />meeting is conducted in an organized manner. Councilmember DeLapp agreed. <br />VOTE: 5:0 PASSED. <br />Administrator Rafferty suggested that he and Mr. Georgacas could work on objectives and bring back <br />dates to facilitate the new relationship. <br />Planner Dillerud asked why Metropolitan Council would not agree to stipulate on the System Statement. <br />Our System Statement has features inconsistent with the MOU. The City had suggested a stipulation to <br />close the issue. Mr. Georgacas said he was ignorant of that fact and will find an answer tomorrow. <br />4. Reschedule March 71h City Council Meeting <br />M/S/P, to reschedule the March 7, 2006 City Council Meeting to Monday, March 6, 2006 due to precinct <br />caucuses. <br />Councilmember Smith said she cannot attend that meeting. Councilmember DeLapp cannot make either <br />of the dates. VOTE: 4:1 Nay -Smith. <br />Lake Elmo City Council Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2006 4 <br />